skull. Ryan admits he was present during the murders, but arrived late and did not participate; he also rescued Bill from the fire. He gives his word that once the outlaws have been dealt with, he will remain to face whatever justice Bill seeks. In a final shootout during a sand storm, the last remaining man who killed Bill's family has him dead to rights, only to be killed by Ryan's thrown knife. Bill nonetheless insists on revenge. Ryan's gun is empty, so Bill tosses a bullet to him. He has just one bullet left now himself. Ryan turns his back and walks away, daring Bill to shoot him in the back. Bill fires, but it is only to kill a surviving outlaw. A grateful Ryan then watches as he mounts his horse and rides away. Cast Lee Van Cleef as Ryan John Phillip Law as Bill Meceita Mario Brega as One-Eye, Walcott henchman in waistcoat Luigi Pistilli as Walcott Anthony Dawson as Burt Cavanaugh/Manina Jose Torres as Pedro Franco Balducci as Lyndon City sheriff Bruno Corazzari as Walcott bartender Felicita Fanny as Martita Ignazio Leone as Minister Carlo Pisacane as Holly Spring station master Angelo Susani as Paco Guglielmo Spoletini as Manuel Vivienne Bocca as Bill Meceita's sister Walter Giulangeli as Mr. Meceita Elena Hall as Mrs. Meceita Mario Mandalari as Walcott henchman Nazzareno Natale (c.s.c.) as Member of Pedro's gang Ennio Pagliani as Walcott henchman Giovanni Petrucci as Walcott henchman Romano Puppo as Lyndon City deputy Richard Watson as bartender Archie Savage as Vigro Uncredited (in order of appearance) Carla Cassola as Betsy Nerina Montagnani as the Minister's wife Nino Vingelli as Card player Remo Capitani as Gold escort member José Terrón as Walcott's henchman Jeff Cameron as Cavanaugh's henchman Production The screenplay and story of Death Rides a Horse was written by Luciano Vincenzoni. Vincenzoni went to work with director Giulio Petroni after having a falling out with Sergio Leone while the latter was making The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. Releases Death Rides a Horse was released in Italy in August 1967. The film was released uncut in the United Kingdom and United States in 1969. Reception A contemporary review, the Monthly Film Bulletin declared the film to be a "display piece" for John Phillip Law and Lee Van Cleef, noting that Van Cleef was "in excellent form." The review declared the film to be